this post was submitted on 14 May 2025
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me_irl
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There is no way to reason sense into someone who has reasoned themselves into their mindset. No evidence or proof can change their mind for them.
Any reply on confirms the beliefs of anyone who reads it, regardless of their side on the matter.
Those are limiting beliefs and I firmly disagree. You can't change someone's mind, but they can. We can succinctly give them the information to do so on their own terms.
Not everybody is operating from a fixed set of beliefs and a narrow perception.
Humanity has a lot of curiosity, if it's all laid out bare, we can at least stop impressionable people from getting herded into rabbit holes that they don't understand and being propagandized.
Calling people names and spreading hate only perpetuates the tribalism that you see coloring reality.
True, but a considerable amount of the population has the causes that they will put themself on the cross for, regardless of how wrong it may be.
See flat-earth.
And they should be free to do so. We can still lay the facts bare - so when they are ready to face reality, they are available to them.
Even if their opinion is overall damaging to the opposite mindset?
If a mindset or perspective is vulnerable to the delusions and other breaks from reality of others, perhaps we need to work on expressing ourselves with clarity and confidence - and gather facts for people to consume.
Trust me, in a neutral arena, the truth will always resonate with the majority of people. I'd say the fediverse has pockets that are fairly neutral compared to other discussion boards/websites.
Delusion usually starts from a place of persecution, real or perceived gaslighting, and paranoia and concern. We can address the gaslighting if it does exist, and ease their concern.
True, the problem is no different than the horse being dehydrated and not knowing it is thirsty. Doesn't matter if we show the water is there if the horse won't/can't perceive that it is thirsty because it has tied their identity and worldview to being thirsty.
We can only offer our opinion until the last straw compromises their viewpoint in a manner that finds the chink.
Unfortunately the emotionally fueled current meta is to brow beat fecklessly.
I'm seeing a bit of a shift in others' attitudes. I'm usually everywhere discussion is found online. Things just seem to have gotten more real to people and that seems to be what is prompting this. Plus the propaganda from the usual places just isn't hitting the same.
Most people cope with reality by escaping or distracting themselves - e.g. into various hobbies, interests, habits. It doesn't really help that media and games just kinda suck anymore and hobbies/habits are more expensive than ever.
I'm doing my best to soften the hearts of those who engage in feckless browbeating, as you aptly described it. Usually behind the veneer of hate and hard feelings is a very sensitive and vulnerable person who is seeking rather harmless things (like validation, approval, camaraderie, community). Of course, that's not always the case - sometimes people are caught up into hate and bad faith without even realizing it, and some absolutely do intend on spreading hate and operating in bad faith.
Regardless, I just do my best to clear things up for everyone and it seems to help. I don't delude myself into thinking my impact is very large, but I do intend on helping others in a general sense - and I know I have helped many.
Fair. I appreciate and value your optimism.